hearts first [alice]

[Deleted]

dear alice,

I hope that this letter finds you well. It's strange, but since my return to Hogwarts I've found myself often turning to tell you something and finding that you're not there. I'm not used to spending an entire summer around someone and then not being able to see them in the fall. I suppose this is just my long-winded way of saying that I miss you a lot.

You've probably heard that the Triwizard Tournament is occurring at Hogwarts this year. I had an argument with RJ about whether or not I should enter, but it was kind of pointless, because at that point I had already put my name in the Goblet. I'm not sure what's going to come of that, but I'll keep you updated, if you want. I hope that your study of British fauna is just as interesting as the one we partook in when we were in America. Stay safe.

sincerely,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

Aw, I'm touched Sander. For what it's worth, I miss you too! I enjoyed our trip a lot this summer. And I'm really glad I've made a friend like you. Haven't really met any new friends since graduating... I've been seeing a lot of your parents, of course. But other than that, it's a lot of independent work. Which you know I don't mind. Speaking of friends, how's RJ? I haven't seen him since I've been back but I don't usually see Carcer's family, so...

I did hear about the Tournament... Dad was understandably a little worried when he found out it was being hosted at Hogwarts. You entered? Why? Wow... you're much braver than me. I would have rather laid down in a pit of Blast Ended Skrewts before entering my name in that Goblet. Studying has been good... just a little slow (and a lot less fun) since returning back to Britain. But please, do keep me updated on everything! I will do the same.

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

I guess that there are worse people to see a lot of than my parents. I’m sorry that you haven’t made any new friends, though – I’d assume that you want someone more than just the freak that hears colors, right? Don’t pay any mind to me. Just…Never mind. Later. Like I said, RJ and I got in an argument, and I’m sure he’s still upset with me. He doesn’t want me to get hurt in the Triwizard Tournament, and I understand that, but there’s no reason to get upset. I’m of age, I can take care of myself.

Mostly I entered because it would make me more than just Lorcan’s brother. That’s what I am to everyone who isn’t you, RJ, or Susan, and I’d kind of like to fix that. The Tournament is one way to do that without stopping being me, you know? Maybe I’m just crazy, or greedy or something.

Sorry to hear that studying hasn’t been as fun now that you’re home. I’m sure that if you wanted to, you’d be welcome at Hogwarts, if you needed any further study on the animals we have access to here. If you’re not welcome, well, I will give your father a very stern talking to. Keep me in the loop, as well. I miss you. (There! I can say it normally!)

yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

You of all people should know I don't mind befriending all creatures, Sander. Even freaks who hear color. I'm sorry you got into a fight with RJ. He's a Hagrid, though, so I am sure he will come around. Though, I've never really spoken to him. Which is odd, considering. Well, what do your parents think? Have you told them you entered yet? And Lorcan? Has he entered? I'd be surprised if he didn't.

Between you and me, you are much more than Lorcan's brother. (And clearly the better! c:)

I'm hoping to maybe extend a visit to the school during one of the tasks to take a look at some of the animals on the grounds. Plus, I am kinda hoping that maybe Dad will let me see any of the creatures they bring in, if they do bring any in, that is. Makes me a bit anxious, waiting to hear what these tasks are and who will be competing. Just know, you'll have a fan in the stands if you are chosen! Miss you.

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

I know that RJ will come around eventually, but the waiting for him to come around is a little difficult. I haven’t really spoken to my parents about it – my mum’s on an expedition in the Himalayas until the end of the month, and I’m not as close to my dad, so I’m not sure I really want to hear about what he has to say. I don’t really talk to Lorcan at school…he’s so different when we’re at Hogwarts. I think all of Gryffindor house is entering on principle, though, so he’s probably entered himself.

Thanks, Alice. It’s nice to have a friend as good as you. If it counts for anything, you’re my favorite Longbottom – though you probably already knew that.

If you get to study the creatures, please consider asking your dad if I can join you! I know that I want to focus on unicorns, but that still sound so interesting, and it would be a way for me to feel more involved with the Tournament even if I’m not chosen as champion. If I’m not picked, we should sit together in the stands, so we can catch up for real. Miss you.

fondly yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

I know how the waiting thing goes, trust me. Well, I know your mum will be proud of you no matter what. And I'm sure your dad would come around to. And yeah... that wouldn't surprise me about Gryffindor. Growing up around Gryffindors has really taught me a lot about them and I have a feeling you are 100% correct.

: )

I'll let you know! Though, I don't know how I'd feel about dragons if they brought any of those in again... And we should definitely sit together, so yes! Save me a seat! That is, if you aren't chosen as the champion yourself. In which case, like I said, you'll have a fan out there.

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

One of the many good things about my mum is that she doesn’t seem to particularly care what I do, as long as I’m happy. I know that a lot of parents say that about their kids, but I think that she does it best. I wish I could take a page out of her book when it comes to caring less about what people think. Growing up around Gryffindors is kind of awful, in my opinion. They always drag you into trouble. I guess that you could throw a jab in here about Ravenclaws, as well, if you’re so inclined.

I concur – dragons are not nearly as amazing as unicorns. I was thinking about going to the forest sometime to see if I can interact with some of Hogwarts’s unicorns, since the ones we saw in America were so inclined to me, but I don’t know if I’d be able to find a partner in crime for that. Susan is busy with prefect duties, and RJ…well, there are no new developments there. Maybe when you come, we can do that instead of watching the Tournament? (From now on, I’m going to say that we’re operating under the assumption that I won’t be chosen as champion, just for the ease of not having to repeat ourselves in every letter.)

fondly yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

I will agree, your mum always has had a carelessness about her I have always been somewhat jealous of, myself. She makes it seem so charming and easy. I will also agree about Gryffindors to a degree; my best friends having been Gryffindors. I always did have to try and talk some out of getting into trouble. But even then, they sometimes have a carelessness about them I sometimes envy. (I'll keep quiet about Ravenclaws, though. ; ) )

That could be fun! (Assuming I can get away from my family long enough to do so!) Carcer was the first one to show me unicorns... perhaps, when things get a little better of course, you could take RJ?

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

Too bad I inherited all of the weird and none of the charm, huh? (Don’t say it’s not true, because I’ll know you’re lying to me.) Who were your friends? I just realized that the only people I really know in your graduating class are you and Adelaide Shacklebolt, and we haven’t spoken that much since she did graduate, since she was kidnapped and all. Thank you for not commenting about Ravenclaws – we all know that it’s hard to find words to describe how amazing we are.

Getting away from your father shouldn’t be that hard – he’s very busy lately, you know. I would take RJ with me, but I’m not sure if he’s as fond of animals, and I don’t want to assume that he’s anything like Carcer, or like his father. I know how hard family names can be to live up to, and I don’t want to make him feel like he has to, if that makes sense.

fondly yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

My closest friend was James Potter. But you probably know how much of a social butterfly he is, so I was usually surrounded by his group of misfits. Adelaide's sister, Abigail, was actually one of those! I never spoke to Adelaide though... I know she has a knack for potions, however. Potions was never my strongest subject so... I may or may not have been a little jealous of her growing up. And hee-haw about you and your Ravenclaws. - . -

I think you'll have to introduce me to RJ. Carcer has been quite busy with his new job as a Cursebreaker and I never spoke to him during school...

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

You and James Potter? I never would have guessed that one. I mean, I knew he was social, but him? Wow. Why on earth are you friends with me when you could be friends with him? Even I know James is cooler than me. Adelaide's pretty great. I know that she went to work for an apothecary after school, but otherwise I'm pretty lost as to what's going on with her.

Do I really have to? Like I said, things aren't exactly great between us...

fondly yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

Me and James Potter. James and I... well, we were born within two months of one another so we have been best friends since we were born, basically. We aren't as close as we used to be, though. It's a long story. I imagine Adelaide's just as nice as Abigail is. The Shacklebolts are a nice family. Though, I have only met the oldest once at a function... never formally.

Well, maybe soon things will get better. Stay positive. : )

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

Well, I'm good with long stories, so if you're ever in the mood to tell it, please do. You've probably heard by now, but the Champions were chosen. Obviously, I'm not one of them, or I wouldn't have the time to sit and write you this letter. Oh well. Guess Lysander Scamander will have to be a name forgotten by history. Hope you're doing well.

fondly yours,
lysander

@alice

[Deleted]

Dear Lysander,

You know... it would probably be therapeutic to talk about it. But preferably in person.

Oh, Sander. You're going to go on to do much bigger, better things than being a champion. You know that! And if you didn't before, this is me assuring you: you are going to do great things. I just know it.

Sincerely,
Alice

[Deleted]

dear alice,

You've probably noticed that this handwriting is not Lysander's. My name is Xan Meagle, I'm a student staying at the hospital wing, where Lysander is now. He got in a bad accident in Potions class, and has lost his vision. From here on in, assume everything that is being said is from Lysander himself. (Sorry, I'm new to dictation.) Don't worry for me, Alice. I'll be fine. Please don't visit if you'd have to go out of your way to do so. I don't want to cause you any trouble. I miss you. I love you, so, so much. I hope I never forget your face.

love, love, love,
lysander

@alice